The Chinese social networking app is taking over the world with one 15-second-video at a time. If you haven’t heard of TikTok, chances are you’ve been living under a rock.
You are missing out on the world’s fastest-growing social media platform- that has as of now, surpassed more than 800 million active users. Although the mobile phone application consistently has its share of controversies, it continues to thrive.
What is unique about TikTok is its acceptance of all demographics. However, with most of the app’s users being between the immature ages of 16-24, there is no putting an end to the TikTok drama.
Just recently, TikTok star Danielle Cohn found her amidst an online scandal for taking credit for someone else’s music.
The 16-year-old influencer recently posted her cover of Ashanti Douglas’ hit single ‘Foolish’ on the app. The young star carelessly captioned the upload asking her followers to make videos using the audio to her new song.
As a result, Danielle faced instant backlash on all her social media accounts with people furiously accusing her of ‘stealing’ the song. Seeing the public outcry, Danielle’s team was quick to come to her defense, claiming that it was an honest mistake.
Cohn’s manager, Mr. Archambault, was appalled to see how the teenager was being harassed for an error anyone could have made.
However, it didn’t just end there. People became even more raged once they saw Danielle post the music video, ‘Foolish’ on her YouTube channel. Despite she clearly labeled it as a “cover,” the haters still had a lot to say.
People took to twitter to rant about how Cohn had disrespected Ashanti by completely ruining her song with her horrid singing.
Moreover, black twitter attacked the video for being appropriative as well. Individuals asserted that the video was a desperate attempt of Cohn to imitate the appearance of a black woman, while especially pointing out her hairstyle.
Cohn’s mother and manager, Jen Archambault, debunked allegations by stating that the cover was made after receiving legal authorization and approval from Ashanti’s team. She further explained that Danielle was given mechanical rights- meaning that Ashtani’s label was earning money from her video.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEz9H0jhaZR/
